It Isn’t Perfect But It Might Be - from “Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy” Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
by Olivia Dean
Summary
This song is about embracing uncertainty and finding hope in the midst of life's messiness. It's a reminder that things don’t have to be perfect to be worthwhile.
Full Analysis
The overall theme of "It Isn’t Perfect But It Might Be" centers on the idea of moving forward despite imperfections and past mistakes. The singer reflects on the journey of self-discovery and the possibility of love, even when things feel uncertain. There’s a strong sense of optimism that runs through the lyrics, suggesting that even if the path is rocky, there’s still beauty in what could be.
Verse 1
There's a lot of ground to cover
One foot and then the other
On my way, my way to somewhere new
A few false starts, can you forgive this
In this verse, the singer sets the stage for a journey. The imagery of putting one foot in front of the other suggests progress, but it acknowledges that it’s not always smooth sailing. The mention of "false starts" hints at mistakes and missteps, highlighting a sense of vulnerability. Asking for forgiveness implies a desire for understanding as they navigate their way forward.
Chorus
I could go back to the old place
And write your name on every blank page
But it's a story now, just a story now
It's the kind of thing that you'd say
The chorus emphasizes the choice between staying in the past or moving on. Writing someone’s name on "every blank page" symbolizes holding onto memories, but the idea of it being "just a story" suggests a need to let go. It’s a bittersweet realization that past relationships are part of one’s story but don’t define the future.
Verse 2
You say no need to look behind me
That I can keep you here beside me
To make a mess of it, then make the best of it
It isn't perfect, but it might be
This verse introduces a supportive voice, encouraging the singer to focus on the present. The idea of making a mess and then making the best out of it is powerful. It shows that life is chaotic, but there’s still room for growth and happiness. The phrase “it isn’t perfect, but it might be” reinforces the theme of hope amidst uncertainty.
Chorus
Oh, I could go back to the old place
And write your name on every blank page
But it's a story now, just a story now
It's the kind of thing that you'd say
Repeating the chorus here adds to the song's emotional weight. It shows that the struggle to let go of the past is ongoing. Yet, there’s still a sense of acceptance that life goes on, and it’s okay to write a new story. The repetition also makes it feel more like a mantra or a comforting reminder.
Bridge
You dip your toe and then you paddle
All before you swim the channel
Thought I'd never make it, but I might
In the bridge, the imagery of dipping a toe in water and paddling suggests taking small steps toward something bigger. It’s relatable and shows that sometimes, you just have to test the waters before diving in. The line about never thinking they’d make it but realizing they might is a lovely moment of self-encouragement and growth.
Outro
Treading lightly, thinking slightly
It just might be, it just might be
It just might be
The outro brings the song to a close with a simple yet effective repetition. It captures the essence of the entire song, cautious optimism. The phrase “it just might be” is a gentle reminder that while there are no guarantees, there’s always a chance for something beautiful.
Closing Thoughts
"It Isn’t Perfect But It Might Be" beautifully captures the struggle between holding onto the past and embracing the future. The song is relatable, reminding us that life is messy, but there's hope in the journey. It encourages listening to that little voice of possibility, even when things aren’t perfect.
Full Lyrics
▼
La-la-la-la, la-la-la-la-la
There's a lot of ground to cover
One foot and then the other
On my way, my way to somewhere new
A few false starts, can you forgive this
Cautious heart and just bear with it
While it does what I thought it couldn't do?
I could go back to the old place
And write your name on every blank page
But it's a story now, just a story now
It's the kind of thing that you'd say
You say no need to look behind me
That I can keep you here beside me
To make a mess of it, then make the best of it
It isn't perfect, but it might be
La-la-la-la, la-la-la-la-la, hm
La-la-la-la, la-la-la-la-la
You dip your toe and then you paddle
All before you swim the channel
Thought I'd never make it, but I might
Oh, I could go back to the old place
And write your name on every blank page
But it's a story now, just a story now
It's the kind of thing that you'd say
You say no need to look behind me
That I can keep you here beside me
To make a mess of it, then make the best of it
It isn't perfect, but it might be
La-la-la-la, la-la-la-la-la, mm (hm)
Treading lightly, thinking slightly
It just might be, it just might be
Treading lightly, thinking slightly
It just might be, it just might be
It just might be
Oh, I could go back to the old place
And write your name on every blank page
But it's a story now, just a story now
It's the kind of thing that you'd say
That there's no need to look behind me (yeah)
That I can keep you here beside me (yeah)
To make a mess of it, then make the best of it
It isn't perfect, but it might be there
(La-la-la-la, la-la-la-la-la) like it might be, yeah (mm)
Like it might be (la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la-la), ooh, ooh
Ooh
Might be, might be, might be